Ignition switch protector



NOV. 29, c B N K IGNITION SWITCH PROTECTOR Filed May 4, 1932 Patented Nov. 29, 1932 UETED STATES CHARLES LQBAHNYAK, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS IGNITION SWITCH PROTECTOR Application filed May 4, 1 932. Serial No. 609,216.

This invention relates to a means to protect an ignition switch on an automoblle or the like against tampering therewith and with the connection of the .wires thereto with a view to unauthorized starting and use of a locked car.

The invention provides a casing or enclosure about the ignition switch having particularly constructed and novel parts. I

The more specific objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the description following taken in connection with accompanying drawing illustrating an operative embodiment.

In said drawing:

Figure 1 is a view partly in side elevation and partly in longitudinal section showing my nnprovements applied to an automobile,

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 22 of Figure 1, 0

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional View taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1,

Figure 1 is a sectional view taken on the line l-1 of Figure 1, and

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 55 of Figure 2. I

Referring specifically to the drawing, fragmentary parts of an automobile are shown to give an understanding of the invention. The part 10 represents a conventional dash board and in the rear thereof is a conventional instrument board 11 on the front of which is secured the ignition switch box 12, such switch being under key control as is usual,'the key being applied from the rear through the instrument board 11. The space between the boards 10 and 11 at the top is covered by the usual cowl 18.

My invention completely encloses the switch box 12 in combination with the dash board 10, instrument board 11 and cowl 13, so that access cannot be gained to the switch box 12, or any of the electrical connections adjacent the same, by an unauthorized person. V

In carrying out the invention, space plates or walls 14 are arranged in bridging relation to the dash board 10 and instrument board 11 and extend from the cowl 13 to the same plane as the lower edge of instrument board 11. Y

Suitably fastened to the dash board 10 as by means of rivets 15 is an attaching plate 16, to which is pivoted by a horizontal rod 17, a closure plate 18, which overlaps the lower edgeof the instrument board 11 and also the lower edges of the plates 14. In addition, the closure 18 is reduced marginally, so that a portion thereof extendsabove the lower edges of the walls 14 and instrument board 11, to aid in preventing the entrance of tampering instruments. Closure 18 carries a suitable lock 19. Such lock 19 has a bolt 20 under control of a key 21, adapted to be carried by the owner of the car, in order to move the bolt 20 into and out of a recess 22 provided in the rear of the instrument board 11. Such bolt 20 in locked position prevents the closure 18 from moving downwardly to open position.

In order to accommodate the passage of the speedometer cable behind the instrument board in its usual position, the door 18 is cut away as at 23 and in order to reduce the size of the opening 23 to a minimum, a plate 24 is slidably mounted by guides 25 on the inner surface of the closure 18, the slide 24 being operable through the engagement of a lug 26.

Various changes may be resorted to provided they fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim as my invention 1. In combination with an ignition switch on a vehicle, means coacting with the vehicle structure forming a casing about the switch and including a pivoted closure, means under lock control to normally maintain the closure in closed position, an attaching plate secured to the vehicle structure within the space containing said switch and pivoting said closure, said closure having an opening therethrough to accommodate the passage of a cable therethrough, and a slide on said closure operable to vary the size of said opening.

2. In a vehicle, in combination with a dash board, instrument board and cowl and an ignition switch below the cowl and carried by the instrument board, Walls on opposite sides of said switch between the instrument board and dash board, a closure, an attaching plate to which the closure is pivoted, said attaching plate being secured to the dash board within the space containing the switch, and

lock means carried by the closure engageable v with the instrument board to normally secure the closure in closed position. I

.3. In a Vehicle, in combination with a dash board, instrument board and cowl and an ignition switch below the cowl and carried by the instrument board, walls on opposite sides of said switch between theinstru'ment board anddash board, a closure, an attaching plate to which the closureis pivoted, said at taching plate being secured to the dash board within the space containing the switch, lock means carried by the closure engageable with the instrument board to normally secure the closure in closed position, said closure being reduced marginally to overlap the lower edges of the instrument board and saidwalls and extend into the space above the lower edges of said walls.

' In testimony whereof I afiiX my signature.

m CHARLES L. BAHNYAK. 

